Third Week in June
On June 24, 1972, Bernice Gera became the first woman to umpire in a professional game. Donning the umpire's equipment pictured here, Gera worked the first game of a New York-Pennsylvania League doubleheader between the Auburn Phillies and Geneva Rangers. During the game, she encountered a series of disputes, prompting her to announce her retirement. Gera would never umpire professionally again, but her pioneering effort paved the way for other women, like Pam Postema, to successfully pursue Minor League umpiring careers.